Tips for Caregivers

Being responsible for another's daily care is time-consuming, stressful and often exhausting. The physical, mental and emotional demands can affect your own physical and mental health.

Providing effective and compassionate care depends on how well you take care of yourself. Having your own support system and taking good care of yourself is a critical key to your success as a caregiver.

Take breaks: schedule regular time off from caregiving to see friends or maintain your own interests

Relax or adjust your expectations of how frequently or how well you perform a task (such as housekeeping)

Prioritize getting enough rest and exercise

Learn breathing exercises or meditation techniques to manage stress

Find a support group or person you can talk with about your feelings related to caregiving

Focus on some of the good things that happen during the day

Talk about topics you enjoy rather than spending all your time talking about caregiving

Be honest about your limits and request help when you need it

Learn to accept support and encouragement from those around you, including friends, local community agencies, and religious organizations

Keep your sense of humor—find something to laugh about!

Above all, be good to yourself. Taking care of someone you love through an illness doesn't have to be stressful and exhausting. If you take good care of yourself, taking care of your loved one may also be one of the most rewarding experiences of your life

Transitions is a community program from Benton Hospice Service designed to help individuals and families live well with a serious, life-limiting illness. Transitions is for those who are either not ready for, or not appropriate for, hospice care.

- See more at: /for-caregivers/transitions/#sthash.ZGVtdRzT.dpuf

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Contact Us About Caregiver Support

If you need to speak to someone immediately, please call 541.757.9616.